In the first round of the 2026 World Cup group stage, France beat Senegal 3-1. The teams went into halftime level at 0-0, and all four goals came after the break.
In the 60th minute, a penalty decision involving Kylian Mbappé for France was overturned after a VAR review. Six minutes later, Mbappé finished a move set up by Michael Olise to put France 1-0 ahead. In the 82nd minute, Bradley Barcola scored with an assist from Adrien Rabiot to make it 2-0.
Senegal reduced the deficit in the 90+5th minute when Ibrahim Mbaye scored from an assist by Iliman Ndiaye, making it 2-1. Just one minute later, Mbappé scored again in the 90+6th minute without an assist, sealing the 3-1 result for France. Mbappé’s goals in the 66th and 90+6th minutes gave him a brace.
On the statistics sheet, France had 53% possession compared with Senegal’s 47%. France posted 1.79 expected goals (xG) to Senegal’s 0.53, and attempted 11 shots to Senegal’s 6, including 8 shots on target for France and 2 for Senegal. France completed 88% of its passes, while Senegal finished at 86%. France also earned 6 corners to Senegal’s 4, was caught offside once to Senegal’s three, made 2 saves to Senegal’s 5, and committed 5 fouls to Senegal’s 9.
Looking ahead, France will face Iraq on 2026-06-22 in Group Stage - 2. France currently sits second in Group I with one win from one match, three points, a +2 goal difference, and the official current qualification label of Round of 32. Senegal will play Norway on 2026-06-23 in Group Stage - 2. Senegal is currently third in Group I with one loss from one match, zero points, and a -2 goal difference.
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